GPRTU fare hike put on ice after talks with government – NPA boss reveals

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has placed a proposed fare hike by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) on hold after talks with government and transport operators. The discussions arose as transport businesses grappled with higher fuel costs due to recent petroleum price increases. The NPA raised the price floor for petrol and diesel amid pressure from international markets.

Transport operators expressed concern over the potential impact of higher fares on inflation. NPA Chief Executive Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe expressed worry about the issue, stating that he and the Transport Minister had been engaging transport operators to find a solution. He noted that transport operators face significant costs such as vehicle maintenance, spare parts, fuel, and wages, with fuel being the most pressing cost in recent times.

Government interventions, including cedi stability and forex absorption, have helped reduce some cost pressures. Tamakloe praised the GPRTU and other transport groups for their constructive engagement with government, which has prevented an immediate fare increase. However, he admitted that some operators have still raised prices arbitrarily.